About Jill Courtney
Jill Courtney is a multidisciplinary creator, educator, and engineer with a passion for music, multimedia production, animation, artificial intelligence, training, space, and instructional design. With a career spanning the arts, technology, academics, and workforce development, she blends creativity with cutting-edge innovation to design engaging learning experiences, immersive media, creative art products, and AI-driven training solutions.
Raised in Manitou Springs, CO, Jill entered the music industry at age six and was touring as a performer by eight. Her career has taken her on stage and behind the scenes, from live performance and recording studios to instructional design labs and AI research projects. Whether she's composing, producing, teaching, or building new learning technologies, Jill’s focus is always on creating meaningful experiences that inspire, educate, and connect people.
Creative & Multimedia Work
Jill is an experienced musician, vocalist, and multimedia producer who has worked across music, video, photography, and digital storytelling. She co-founded Sharkbait Studios (2002-2012), a production company in New York, Nashville, and Texas, and served as Studio/Business Manager at Quad Studios Nashville. She founded JCreative Multimedia in Nashville and Colorado Springs, CO (2012-Present). As a performer and session musician, she has played with bands such as Valhalla (CO), Electric Mayhem (MN), Mama Feelgood (NYC), Wah Watusi (TN), The Network All-Star Band (TN), Your Crazy Neighbors (TN), The Riders (CO) and Warren/Piece (CO), and she continues to sing in the Colorado Springs music scene. She currently is competing as a singer in an American Idol-style competition called ICONS Idol - Season 4 every Thursday in Feb and March 2025 - unless she gets cut!
Technology & Instructional Design
Beyond the arts, Jill is a Senior Principal Engineer specializing in instructional design, engineering education, and AI-driven decision support systems. She develops immersive learning experiences, workforce training programs, and AI-driven tools that help professionals thrive in STEM and creative industries. She serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs' Strategic AI program, helping shape the future of AI applications in education and workforce development.
Education & Lifelong Learning
Jill holds degrees in Music Education (BA), Musical Theatre Performance (AA), Music Technology (MM), and Educational Leadership and Administration (Ed.S.), and is currently completing her Doctorate in Instructional Design Leadership. She has designed curricula for universities, arts programs, and technical training, and has taught at Belmont University, Tennessee State University, The Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville, Lamar State College, Metro Nashville Public Schools, John Robert Powers, CCB, and the US Space Force.
A Career of Innovation & Impact
Jill’s work has always been about bridging disciplines and creating opportunities - whether through music, multimedia, AI, or education. Her passion for mentorship, creativity, and lifelong learning drives her to develop content, courses, and experiences that empower others.
This site serves as a portfolio of her work - spanning music, media, AI, instructional design, writing, video, animation, and professional training. Explore her projects, performances, publications, and creative endeavors to see how she continues to merge the arts and technology in powerful ways.
Welcome, and enjoy the journey! 🎶💡🎥